Today marks my official thirteenth year as a Chaplain in the United States Army. It's amazing what God has done in that timeframe. When I answered God's call on my life to full-time Christian ministry, I never envisioned it would include the things that it has with chaplaincy.
I wanted to be a youth pastor forever. I loved it! I loved bringing the gospel to students and watching them grow and take incredible steps in Christ. But, God clearly wanted me to do youth ministry for just a short time. He clearly had plans for me to be a missionary in a foreign land.
When He first began working on my heart to missions, I assumed it would be halfway across the world or in a third-world country. I enjoyed the experiences of doing short term mission trips to southeast Asia and Puerto Rico. However, I dreaded moving out of what I knew and where I was most comfortable.
I endured a Jonah-like experience when God stopped me from ignoring this call on my life and spit me out into a situation in which I could not resist following Him into the unknown.
In many ways, I still feel like a missionary in a foreign land. The Army isn't comfortable to me. A huge part of me wants to stay in my hometown, be close to my family and to the community I love. In fact, I have no doubt that God will eventually land me permanently in the CLV. However, as I've said since day one, I'm in this unique ministry until God wants me somewhere else.
I am truly thankful for what He has shown me in these thirteen years. He has shown me a lot of grace. He has shown me the beauty of a supportive and loving spouse and family. He has consistently shown me the importance of teamwork. He has increasingly softened my heart to a hurting and lost world. He has protected me through 2 combat deployments and countless situations in which I had no idea what I was doing. I could only rely on God's wisdom and Holy Spirit to equip and sustain me.
I'm not guaranteed tomorrow. God could yank me out of chaplaincy at any moment. A medical issue could arise at any moment. The Army's promotion system is heavily dependent upon luck and timing. I'm not a lock to move on. God could simply make it clear that I need to get out, regardless of my health or position to promote.
I say all that as a reminder that this is about being faithful to the calling. It's about Jesus and the good news of the gospel. I am not entitled to a nice retirment pension. I'm not entitled to live where I'm comfortable. I'm not entitled to things that are easy. I'm on mission for Him. I will go where He calls. Even if I have to be stubborn at times, He will get me on track.
That is what these past thirteen years have consistently reiterated to me. This life is about God's mission. Above all else, it's about Him, not me, not anyone else or any other organization. I can choose to complain about that, focusing on what I believe are my biggest desires and dreams. Or, I can choose to TRUST Him, remembering that He knows me better than I know me. Regardless of the mission I am given, I will not find more contentment, peace, or joy outside of being right where God wants me to be.
Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
you have done wonderful things,
things planned long ago.
Isaiah 25:1
0 Comments